78 a/c question and how rare is my car?

[garnett grant]

i was wondering if anyone has seen this problem. i have a 78 vette that has a a/c that looks like someone installed. it seems that the car was a non-a/c car. it has foot vent slide open knob handles on the kick panels. also the console control has only vacuum connections on it, even the hot/cold slide lever. there is no cable going to the heat vent door. so my question is, how hard is it to find a non a/c console control? i would like to return the car to factory option heat only. also, i have a L48 4speed(manual),mohogony with black leather.it was non-a/c but has defrost on rear window. is there a way to find out what the car came with (build info) it has 40,900 mi. and the condition of the car supports this. i appreciate any help.

 

[7825th]

I am the new owner of a '78 Silver Anniversary.L48 with 4 speed.
Your mahogany interior is an add on. I have A/C & defroster in the rear glass. This site will give you a lot of info > http://www.100megsfree4.com/corvette/1970/vet78.htm
Search the web for the GM Corvette museum - they were providing
builld sheets for a fee. There also was a GM phone # where if you gave them your VIN, they would send you some free tech info. I did it and got some cool stuff - I'll try & search for the #. Good luck.
Ron

 

[7825th]

Try this number 800.222.1020
They will ask for your VIN and model
You will get half an inch of stuff on your car.

 

[CQRT]

7825th:
What's the phone number to - -and what years does it work for? I'd love to get a copy of my build sheet or window sticker if it was available - - -I recently peeled my build sheet off the top of the gas tank and there was nothing readable - -it had all faded.

Many thanks-

 

[mkapp7879]

I'm pretty sure that phone no. is for the "GM Restoration Package". A folder with much info on the Vette and options. Very interesting and usefull stuff. Also includes a folder with various vendors licensed by GM. Pretty sure it's available for all years, but call and check. Definitely get it!!!
The build sheet/window sticker offer from the NCM is for Bowling Green built Vettes only. 1981(BG) and up.
There are window sticker reproductions available but the info must be provided by you.
Mike

 

[Eric]

I'm pretty sure that phone no. is for the "GM Restoration Package". A folder with much info on the Vette and options. Very interesting and usefull stuff. Also includes a folder with various vendors licensed by GM. Pretty sure it's available for all years, but call and check. Definitely get it!!!
The build sheet/window sticker offer from the NCM is for Bowling Green built Vettes only. 1981(BG) and up.
There are window sticker reproductions available but the info must be provided by you.
Mike

Mike's right, there are no build records available for St. Louis built cars, only Bowling Green. The resto package from GM won't help you with proving authenticity either. Best bet is to get an NCRS judging manual for your year and compare for a best guess. As for your colors, the trim tag on the drivers side door pillar has the codes for your interior and exterior.

Good luck and welcome to the .

 

[Vettehead Mikey]

2636 out of 40274 cars were built without A/C in the '78 model year.

 

[lnirenberg]

Somewhat off topic, but there seems to be a general bias in the forum against working ACs. I like driving with the roof off and the window out, but stuck in traffic at the Tappan Zee Bridge in 90 degree weather on my way to Carlisle this year I sure wished I had it working. Its the 1st thing I got fixed this fall.

 

[garnett grant]

thanks for responding. is there any way of finding out how many of the non a/c cars were mohogony painted cars?

 

[Vettehead Mikey]

thanks for responding. is there any way of finding out how many of the non a/c cars were mohogony painted cars?

'Fraid not. GM did not keep records of option combinations, but only 2121 cars were painted mahogany so the combination number has to be pretty small.